March 20, 2013

PRESIDING OFFICER GONSALVES HONORS 2013 TRAILBLAZER IN THE NEW MILLENIUM

Presiding Officer Norma L. Gonsalves recently named Patricia A. Magnus-Brown, Ex-Captain of the East Meadow Fire Department Rescue 5 and a resident of East Meadow, as one of the Nassau County Legislature’s  2013 “Women: Trailblazer in the New Millennium” honorees.

“Pat is an excellent example of a woman dedicated to the service of her community. I am very proud to be here presenting this award to a more than deserving recipient,” said Legislator Gonsalves.

Pat joined the East Meadow Ladies Auxiliary at the age of 19 and became very active on committees, marching with the parade group and serving three times as president.  With the assistance of the Ladies Auxiliary, Pat ran a successful campaign for Fire Commissioner of the East Meadow Fire District and became the first woman to be elected Fire Commissioner in East Meadow.  Rescue 5 runs the most calls in the Department but was low on membership and the older members were drained. A By-Law change was enacted which stated that a person could join and become a member of Rescue 5 without being a firefighter, with the stipulation that he/she must maintain a certification by New York State as an Emergency Medical Technician.

Pat and her husband Bill were the first two members to join Rescue 5 as Fire Medics. The rescue calls were numerous and they made more than fifty percent of the calls. Pat was elected 2nd Lieutenant and then elected 1st Lieutenant and shortly thereafter was appointed Captain of Rescue 5. On September 11, 2001 our country came under attack and Pat was in charge. She assembled the Company and asked for volunteers. They went to Manhattan to help those who needed medical attention. Pat and her 1st and 2nd Lieutenants returned to Manhattan for a second tour of duty.  Pat was elected Captain again in 2002 and 2004.  She was elected Treasurer which position she holds today. Pat has seen more heartache and pain than she cares to think about but Rescue 5’s quick actions and skills have saved many lives with positive outcomes for their patients which is due to quick patient care and treatment.

Pictured: Legislator Gonsalves honors Pat Brown with the Nassau County Legislature’s 2013 “Women: Trailblazer in the New Millennium” award.